60 



Evergreens. (A walk) 



weather is typical of the Alps and of other great 

 altitudes not only in the real winter months but during 

 the greater part of the year, and would soon kill the 

 leaves of ordinary trees. It is, however, exactly for 

 these trying circumstances that the leaves of the fir 



Fig. 33. Swiss Pine trees in September. (This gives some idea of the 

 wintry conditions trees at a great height have to endure for most of 

 the year.) 



family are adapted. They are small and narrow so that 

 there is very little surface to be chilled or torn by the 

 wind. They are also tough and shiny in order that 

 frost may not hurt them and snow will slip easily oif 

 their polished surfaces. 



